About this Event
Fall 2026 Installment of the Forensic Science Lecture Series at the Indiana Medical History Museum in partnership with the University of Indianapolis Human Identification Laboratory
Stable Isotope Analysis of Unknown Human Remains: Bio Archaeological Science Methods Aid in the Identification of Military Personnel from Past Conflicts
presented by Melanie M. Beasley, PhD, Purdue University
$5
FREE for Current IMHM Members and University of Indianapolis Staff and Students
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) is responsible for providing the fullest possible accounting for the remains of more than 80,000 missing US military personnel from past conflicts; approximately 30,000 of which are believed to be identifiable, recoverable, and returnable to their families. This mission fulfills one of the federal government’s most visible, bipartisan, and enduring humanitarian commitments. Since 2018, DPAA’s Isotope Program has relied on archaeological science methods developed since the 1970s as an additional form of evidence for identification of unknown human remains recovered from past military conflicts. This presentation will provide a history of how stable isotope analysis was adopted by DPAA from archaeological science to aid the identification of military personnel. Additionally, the talk will highlight new research supported by DPAA to once again capitalize on advanced archaeological science methods, such as near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, to increase efficiency for the DPAA.
The Forensic Science Lecture Series is a long-time partnership between the Indiana Medical History Museum and the University of Indianapolis Human Identification Lab.
Registration is required for virtual and in-person attendance. *Member tickets are only available for current active IMHM members. Member status will be confirmed. University of Indianapolis staff and students must use their school email address to register for free tickets.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER Dr. Melanie Beasley’s work focuses broadly on human-environment interactions throughout the hominin lineage when the environment is influencing our evolutionary history, in the Holocene when humans are influencing the availability of prey resources, and in modern forensic contexts when the environment imprints meaningful geolocation information in biological tissues. She uses stable isotope geochemistry to connect humans and the environment they live in to understand changing climate, resource availability, and life history. At Purdue University, Dr. Beasley is an Associate Professor of Anthropology and directs the Bioanth Isotope Ecology Research Laboratory (BIER Lab).
IMHM Event Disclaimers: 1) The views and opinions expressed by the speaker(s) in this presentation are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the Indiana Medical History Museum or its affiliates. 2) The content of the presentation is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment. 3) The Indiana Medical History Museum is housed in a historic building, and as such, may present certain risks and/or physical restrictions. Please let us know if you require special accommodations, and we will do our best to meet your needs.
IMHM Photography Policy: Attendees should respect both presenters and their proprietary material during formal presentations; therefore no still photographs nor video or audio recordings are allowed, unless explicitly permitted by IMHM Staff. To read our full IMHM Photography Policy, visit our website at www.imhm.org/visit.
***Important information for attendees: Advanced registration is required. In-person seating is limited. This is a hybrid event with ticket options for both in person and virtual attendance. Please make sure you are registering for the correct ticket type. Member tickets are only available for current active IMHM members. Member status will be confirmed. Virtual attendees will receive a link to join the event via Zoom 24 hours prior to the event. If you don't receive it by then, check your email junk folder or email us at [email protected]. Doors open for in person attendees at 5:10pm.
Event venue & nearby stays
Indiana Medical History Museum, 3270 Kirkbride Way, Indianapolis, United States
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